Seven tips for choosing a quality homebuilder

Louise AllanThe West Australian

Monday, 3 September 2018 9:00AM

Does getting a good price mean sacrificing on quality?

In our experience at New Homes, comparing different building companies and many different designs can be hard and time-consuming. To dig up the answers you really need in your search for a homebuilder, consider the list below and put builders to the test. Then weigh up their answers and get building.

1. Outsourced can mean out-of-pocket.

Design and drafting in-house is more efficient all round, as the designer knows the builder’s process back to front and is likely to have previously made modifications to plans similar to yours. It’ll save time too when you request changes that need designing and costing. So confirm where your builder’s services are based and how quickly changes can be made. No-one wants to wait for their stunning new home to progress. And if the build time drags on, you’ll also be paying rent longer, plus the mortgage on your new build.

2. Build times versus real build times: know the difference.

Consistent build time frames are a great indicator of a homebuilder’s ability to manage your build, whether it’s a busy period or not. Some builders may offer very short build times, but that may simply be because their schedule is lighter at the time. If business grows suddenly, your build time could be pushed out considerably. Reputable builders offer a consistent time frame, always. You could request to see lists of their past and current builds to review how many weeks completed builds actually took, and how well they are keeping on track with homes under construction right now.

3. Cheap fixtures now can be expensive later. Why?

Quality matters. So when you ask about benchtops, sinks, taps and appliances, take note if your builder lists recognisable brand names like Caroma, Dorf and Jason Windows. They should also be able to tell you about warranties that count, like Caesarstone’s 25 years on benchtops. Larger building companies may use buying power to buy cheap even more cheaply and replacement parts could be unavailable in future. An unknown tap brand can suddenly be expensive if you need a plumber to fix a leak 13 months later.

4. A company’s staff tells a vital story.

Talk to a builder and find out more about their company to get a feel for how they operate. Ask who would be your contact through the build. Rapport with your initial rep is important, but a well-organised building company that can manage time frames, quality and consistent communication efficiently should then pass you onto a sales administrator, pre-start consultant and a client liaison; these are experts in each stage of your experience.

5. Prices with all inclusions mean everything. Dig for them.

Uncovering real prices can be tricky, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Ask your builder for a detailed list of what’s included in the advertised home price. Also request a list of what’s excluded (but necessary for your build) – wall painting and floor coverings often need to be budgeted for separately. Check whether site works are a fixed cost, and get exact details of what’s included, as site work costs can blow out, which is not something you want.

6. Distance can make the difference.

Perth is a big city with vast distances for builders to travel. Some may not regularly travel to all areas for the necessary supervision of home builds. Always ask a builder if you can have a look at their construction list to work out how many of their builds are close to where yours will be. The more work they are doing nearby, the easier it will be for them to supervise your site closely and keep things on track, and the better the trade base they will be able to attract to your build.

7. Range matters. Here’s why.

The broader the range, the more likely a homebuilder will have a floor plan that meets your requirements. That means you get what you want in a tried and trusted design from experts well versed in layouts that work for furniture placement, liveable spaces and solar orientation. That way there are no nasty surprises when you move in. It’s also important to start out knowing your key criteria (such as specifying you want three bedrooms, a theatre and the ability to supervise the kids while you’re cooking) and asking to see a builder’s options for this.